Geophysics: The Bedrock Of National Development:- Magnus Uzoma I

ABSTRACT

Geophysics is a combination of two words: “Geo”- Earth and “Physics” – the study of matter in relation to energy. Geophysics therefore is the science that applies the knowledge and principles of Physics to the study of the Earth (usually the Earth’s subsurface). To achieve this, measurements are made at or near the Earth’s surface to obtain data that on analysis are used to reveal the internal structures of the Earth’s rocks and minerals (Ebeniro, 2012). The interpretation of these data can help researchers to detect and delineate local and regional features that could be of economic interest, thereby boosting the national development of a developing country such as Nigeria.

A number of natural resources that could be of economic value in the Earth’s undersurface include minerals and hydrocarbons (or pore fluids). These natural resources are spread under the Earth’s surface at different concentrations or anomalies. Geophysics therefore seeks to detect areas of high concentrations of these natural resources.

Geophysics is classified into two major areas of study: Global Geophysics and Exploration Geophysics. Global Geophysics is the branch of Geophysics that looks at the whole Earth such as in the study of earthquake seismology. On the other hand, Exploration Geophysics aims at identifying and defining geologic strata that contain minerals and hydrocarbons (oil & gas) of economic interest.

Geophysics combines Physics, Mathematics and Geology to properly achieve its set goal of national development. It is important at this point to state that, yes, Geology and Geophysics attain the same goals, they use different methods to do this. While geologists use data collected directly from the source (in situ), geophysicists use data remotely connected to the source. Because our goals are the same, geophysicists and geologists sometimes use one another’s results to arrive at better interpretation of specific resources of the Earth under investigation.